App-based platforms power one-third of Goas taxi fleet
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's recent announcement that his government will not allow cab aggregators from outside Goa has raised hopes for the local app-based mobility platforms, which have been in the market for some time now.
As per government figures, out of the total 12,000 tourist taxis operating in the state, 5,000 are on board the app-based platforms, mostly with two companies -- Goa Miles and Goa Taxi App.
The Goa Miles alone has a fleet of 4,000-odd taxis on board.
Allaying the apprehensions raised by local tourist taxi drivers over the Goa Transport Aggregators Guidelines 2025, CM Sawant on Friday said cab aggregators from outside will not be allowed in the state.
The draft guidelines were issued on May 20. The last date to give suggestions and raise objections is June 30.
Goa Miles Chief Executive Officer Utkarsh Dabhade told PTI that their service, which is affiliated to the Goa Tourism Development Corporation, was introduced seven years ago.
"Since the introduction of the app-based service, we have been receiving good response from tourists and locals alike," he said.
On an average, the Goa Miles fleet transports 15,000 passengers daily, of whom 85 per cent are tourists and 15 per cent local travellers, Dabhade said.
He said their services are available across the state, majorly at both the airports - Manohar International Airport at Mopa (in North Goa) and the international airport at Dabolim (South Goa).
The service has been completely a Goan brand with 100 per cent of the staff, including taxi owners, from the state, he said.
The state-run Goa Taxi App has been active for the last two years with more than 1,000 taxis on board the platform.
The service, having been introduced by the state government, is completely tourist-friendly with regards to rates and other facilities, a senior Goa Taxi App official said.
It would be beneficial for all the tourist taxi owners to get onboard the app-based service to get better business and also other facilities, he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
37 minutes ago
- News18
India can build next cybersecurity giants: Accels Prayank Swaroop
New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) India is in the early innings of a cybersecurity breakout, and this moment could define the next generation of global security companies, according to Prayank Swaroop, Partner at Accel. Speaking to PTI at Accel's Cybersecurity Summit in Bengaluru, Swaroop issued a clear call to action for Indian founders. 'India has over 1,400 cybersecurity startups, but only 235 have been funded, and just six have gone public. We're barely scratching the surface," he said. Globally, this is a USD 377 billion opportunity over the next three years, he said adding: 'Indian founders have a real shot at building for that". Accel, one of the earliest investors in CrowdStrike, now valued at over USD 116 billion, sees familiar patterns emerging. 'We backed CrowdStrike when it had under USD 5 million in revenue. We led three rounds before its IPO. Great cybersecurity companies take time, but when they land, they reshape the industry," Swaroop noted. While traditional segments like network and identity security continue to grow at 12-24 per cent CAGR (compounded annual growth rate), Swaroop believes GenAI will define the next wave. 'AI is rewriting the playbook. It's blurring identity, scaling social engineering, and overwhelming SecOps. This is not an incremental shift. It's foundational," he said. 'These aren't edge cases. They're becoming core workflows. Founders who build with speed and depth of insight will have an edge," he observed. With only 17 cybersecurity acquisitions in India to date, Swaroop's message is clear: 'This is India's moment to lead in global security. The ambition is here. The timing is right." Among the largest industry gatherings in India dedicated solely to cybersecurity, Accel's summit served as a platform for knowledge exchange, ecosystem building, and cross-border collaboration. It underscored India's growing relevance in the global cybersecurity value chain and reinforced Accel's commitment to supporting bold, globally ambitious founders shaping the next generation of security innovation. PTI MBI ANU ANU view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Trying to motivate people to visit J&K: Omar
Chief minister Omar Abdullah, who was in Gujarat to promote J&K tourism, said that post the Pahalgam attack, tourist places have been secured in Kashmir and only those places which haven't been cleared by security are closed. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi during a visit to the Sabarmati Ashram, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. (PTI) Omar on Friday while concluding a two-day tour of Gujarat said he is trying to motivate people of different parts of the country to visit J&K as tourism is the backbone of the economy of the UT. 'In the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, almost all our tourist destinations were closed for a security audit. We only started reopening them once we were satisfied with the results of that audit,' he said. He added that several tourist places which haven't been cleared by security agencies are still closed. Omar earlier had told mediapersons that even those who were responsible for the attack on tourists were killed. 'They were killed not in the city or close to tourist places but in a far off place,' he said while making his point that Kashmir is a safe tourist destination now. He said that he is trying to motivate people to visit J&K as our economy is relying on the tourism sector.' On Friday, Omar also visited Sabarmati Ashram and said his Ahmedabad visit is now complete. 'My visit to Ahmedabad is now complete. I feel both humbled & privileged to have been shown around the Sabarmati Ashram of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. His teachings ring true even today & point us in the direction we should take but seldom do,' J&K chief minister wrote on X. On Thursday, Omar Abdullah visited Sabarmati River Front promenade and Statue of Unity and praised this place. 'While in #Ahmedabad for a tourism event I took advantage of being here to get my morning run at the famed Sabarmati River Front promenade. It's one of the nicest places I've been able to run & it was a pleasure to get to share it with so many other walkers/runners. I even managed to run past the amazing Atal Foot Bridge,' Omar wrote on X while sharing his jogging pictures which even caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Good to see Omar enjoying visit to Statue of Unity: PM 'Kashmir to Kevadia! Good to see Shri Omar Abdullah Ji enjoying his run at the Sabarmati Riverfront and visiting the Statue of Unity. His visit to SoU gives an important message of unity and will inspire our fellow Indians to travel to different parts of India,' Modi said on X. Omar on Thursday evening inaugurated a high-profile roadshow and business meet in Ahmedabad, aimed at strengthening tourism and trade ties between Jammu & Kashmir and Gujarat. The event brought together stakeholders from Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir to foster partnerships in tourism, trade, and business innovation. 'Jammu & Kashmir is open for business,' said the CM, adding, 'And we welcome our friends from Gujarat to explore, invest, and be part of our growth story.' Parra questions Omar's visit to Statue of Unity PDP legislative party leader Waheed ur Rehman Parra on Friday questioned Omar's visit to Gujarat's 'Statue of Unity' monument saying 'that if any other leader from Kashmir would have visited the statue, the NC would have branded them as BJP or RSS agents'. Parra who is legislator from Pulwama alleged that NC has a legacy of shifting definitions in power since 1932. 'True, sir. The transition from @RahulGandhi's Bharat Jodo as the symbol of unity to the Prime Minister's Statue of Unity makes the emancipation clear. Until you attain power, Congress & INDIA alliance are your definitions of unity. Yet, if any Kashmiri party or leader nears the statue, you'd waste no time in branding them as 'Sanghi' or 'Nagpuri.' Your shifting definitions in power & while chasing it remain the only legacy of NC since 1932,' Para wrote on X while reacting to J&K chief minister's post on X. Travel broadens horizons and mind: Omar Omar while addressing PM Modi said travel broadens the horizons and mind. 'I'm a firm believer that travel broadens the horizons & the mind @narendramodi ji. It's especially important for us in J&K as tourism is a crucial part of our economy & has the potential to gainfully employ lakhs of people. That's why I & my colleagues are trying to convince more of our fellow Indians to visit J&K, especially after the tragic events earlier this year,' Omar wrote on X.
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Want relaxed air travel? Pet a puppy at Hyderabad Airport
Agency: Hyderabad, Jul 31 (PTI) The next time when you walk into Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGAI) here, don't be surprised if you're greeted by a friendly puppy or even get a chance to pet one. The GMR Group, which manages the airport, has introduced a 'Therapy Dog Program" aimed at enhancing the passenger experience. The initiative offers calming and joyful interactions, with the belief that the presence of dogs–Toy Poodles in this case– can ease travel-related anxiety, uplift moods, and create a more welcoming and peaceful airport environment, according to RGIA sources. Currently, the program which features four well-trained Toy Poodles and accompanied by professional handlers, is in its early stages, and future expansion may be considered based on passenger feedback and operational feasibility, they said. 'The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Passengers have appreciated the calming presence of the dogs. The initiative has been well-received as a thoughtful and comforting addition to the airport experience," sources told PTI. While the dogs are certified therapy animals and trained for calm behavior, they are always under the supervision of professional handlers. These handlers are equipped to manage any unexpected behavior and ensure the safety and comfort of both the dogs and passengers, they further said. A passenger who did not want to be identified said, 'I was so happy to see them." 'It already feels like I'm beginning to heal. A truly wonderful initiative. Please keep up the amazing work. And a special thanks to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for helping fund and facilitate this incredible effort." Having a pet dog brings so much joy and the initiative was a thoughtful and heartwarming one which deserves true appreciation, the passenger added. Importantly, the dogs are only allowed to interact with passengers who willingly approach them, minimizing stress triggers. They are stationed at key touch points in both domestic and international departure areas from Friday to Monday, (1500 hours-1900 hours) for approximately four hours. The city airport witnessed a passenger traffic of 29.5 million during the last financial year. PTI GDK SA view comments First Published: August 02, 2025, 09:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
